FBI Seeking Information on “I-35 Bandit”

FBI San Antonio
September 17, 2010

Special Agent Michelle Lee(210) 650-6333

WACO, TX—Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), whose territory includes Waco, Texas, advised today that the FBI and numerous area law enforcement agencies are seeking the public’s help in identifying a serial bank robber known as the “I-35 Bandit.” The I-35 Bandit has been active in and around the Texas Interstate Highway 35 corridor since January 2004. To date, the I-35 Bandit has robbed 15 banks between San Antonio and Wichita Falls, and he has used a handgun and a similar disguises in all of the robberies. In the most recent robbery, the I-35 Bandit wore a mask covering his entire face. It also appears he has lost weight over the past two years.

The I-35 Bandit is described as follows:

Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: Approximately 40 to 50 years of age
Height: Between 5’06” to 5’10” tall
Weight: 200-240 lbs
Hair: Has used brown, blonde, and white hair and beards
Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, gloves

The most recent bank robbery committed by the I-35 Bandit occurred on September 8, 2010, at the First State Bank Central Texas in Little River Academy, Texas, near Waco. In all of the robberies, the I-35 Bandit utilizes a small sedan as a getaway vehicle. In the Little River Academy bank robbery, the I-35 Bandit was driving a 2011 model Hyundai, Sonata (possibly a rental), silver in color.

It should be noted that the I-35 Bandit is considered armed and extremely dangerous based upon the violent method he uses to rob banks. In all of the bank robberies attributed to the I-35 Bandit, the robber enters the banks with his handgun drawn and pointed directly at the tellers and/or customers.

The FBI, and all of the local law enforcement agencies involved in this ongoing investigation, requests the public’s assistance in identifying any information which may help to apprehend this bank robber. All information will remain confidential.

The public is requested to call the FBI at the following 24 hour telephone number: 210-225-6741.